Edmonton Oilers Unveil New Post Game Ritual in Locker Room

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Liam McCormick
October 16, 2024 (6:40 PM)

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The Edmonton Oilers had to go the first three games without unveiling their new post game win ritual, but were finally able to break it out last night.

Last season, the Oilers gave out the painter and the plumber award after wins to acknowledge a player for their offensive effort and defensive efforts respectively. It was a really unique ritual and really popular among fans, but the Oilers decided to shake things up for the new season.

The hard hat will apparently be given to the player who shows the most grit and defensive ability, similar to the team's plumber award from last year. Troy Stecher definitely earned the hard hat for his hard as nails performance last night, including his fight against Flyers Captain Sean Couturier.

The championship belt is the other Oilers award for this season, and seemingly similar to the paintbrush from last year to recognize the team's best offensive performer. Draisaitl got the award last night, with game winning overtime goal making the difference.

The Oilers approach to recognizing players on both sides of the ice is an incredible way to show that the entire team has value. If it was simply award for best player, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl would be passing it back and forth. The addition of a best defensive player award on the board is a reminder that effort is rewarded on all sides of the ice, and hopefully it's a small motivation to play a 200 foot game every shift.

With last night's win over the Flyers, the Oilers will look to take a boost and avoid having another slow start to the year. The Oilers will take on the Nashville Predators tomorrow night for their first road game of the season, looking to take their second win.